Kenta Kurihara's 2-week training in Arizona is nearing an end -- he'll be returning to Hiroshima later this month and will then head to Okinawa to continue his training. Yesterday, he spent some time using the new NPB regulation baseball during BP and fielding practice. Kurihara also told reporters that he will continue to focus on hitting home runs because it's always been a part of his game.

Yuki Saito told reporters during his day off yesterday that he was pushing himself hard this year, in comparison to previous years, and that he was thinking about tossing a bullpen session before the end of the month so that he can go all out once spring camp begins on 2/1. He also apparently has his eyes on pitching in the team's first practice game on 2/12 (vs Nippon Ham).

Tsubasa Aizawaworked out at Mazda Stadium today and told reporters that he wanted to give Yoshiyuki Ishihara a run for his money. He then added that he wanted to place more focus on his fielding (pitch selection, catching, blocking). Aizawa also spent about a week (between 1/4 and 1/12) going to a gym in order to strengthen his hip area.

Shinya Miyamoto told reporters yesterday that the INF coaching job he had during fall camp was just that, a fall job. With spring camp approaching, Miyamoto said he would focus on his job as a player. Miyamoto also recently returned from his training session in Matsuyama, Ehime and started his workouts at the Toda training grounds yesterday.

Tasuku Hashimotoworked out at Bay Stars Stadium on Tuesday (BP, throwing). Hashimoto and Daisuke Miura also told reporters yesterday that they'll do whatever is necessary to help the team win, including back-up Takao Obana's plan to improve communication.